• Major Indian e-commerce platforms are adopting the Safety Pledge to secure consumer interests.
• The pledge aims to prevent the sale of unsafe products and is a response to the unique challenges of e-commerce.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 acknowledges the importance of safety and product standards, and the pledge is a step towards securing these interests.
• The adoption of the Safety Pledge is a testament to the industry's dedication to consumer protection and reflects the evolving landscape of e-commerce in India.

The e-commerce industry in India is on the brink of a significant transformation. Major platforms such as BigBasket, Tata Cliq, Tata 1mg, Zomato, and Ola are set to adopt the Safety Pledge on National Consumer Day, 2024. This initiative, announced by the Department of Consumer Affairs, is designed to secure consumer interests. It aims to prevent the sale of unsafe, spurious, and non-conforming products on these platforms.

The Safety Pledge is a voluntary commitment by e-commerce platforms. It involves cooperation with statutory authorities responsible for product safety, raising consumer product safety awareness among sellers, and empowering consumers on product safety. This initiative is a response to the unique challenges posed by the e-commerce sector, where physical examination of products before purchase is not possible.

The Importance of Product Safety in E-commerce

Product safety is a paramount concern for online shoppers. The sale of unsafe products on e-commerce platforms poses a significant risk to consumer safety and well-being. This risk is particularly high in the case of products mandated to conform to Quality Control Orders (QCOs).

India, with over 880 million internet users, is the world's second-largest internet market. By 2030, it is projected to host the second-largest online shopper base globally, with an estimated 500 million shoppers. Given the consistent expansion of e-commerce in India, ensuring the safety of products sold online is imperative for consumer well-being.

Consumer Protection Act and the Role of E-commerce Platforms

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 acknowledges the significance of safety and product standards at the time of purchasing a product. It includes the right to be protected against the marketing of goods, products, or services hazardous to life and property, and the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods, products, or services.

The adoption of the Safety Pledge by major e-commerce platforms is a significant step towards securing consumers' interests. It is a proactive measure to address the issue of determining liability on e-commerce platforms, especially when the actual seller is untraceable or unwilling to accept responsibility. This initiative is in line with global trends, with many jurisdictions nudging e-commerce platforms to take a voluntary safety pledge.

The Future of E-commerce and Consumer Protection

In addition to the Safety Pledge, the Department of Consumer Affairs has also set up a committee under the chairmanship of noted consumer activist and journalist Pushpa Girimaji, for drafting the pledge with major e-commerce entities, industry bodies, and law chairs as its members. The final draft of the pledge has been prepared after an extensive consultative process by the Committee and scrutinisation by the Department of Consumer Affairs.

The adoption of the Safety Pledge by e-commerce platforms in India is a significant step towards enhancing consumer protection in the digital marketplace. It reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance the benefits of e-commerce with the need to ensure consumer safety and trust.

As the e-commerce sector continues to evolve, initiatives like the Safety Pledge will play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory, ensuring that it remains a safe and trusted platform for consumers. The commitment by major e-commerce platforms to adopt the Safety Pledge is a testament to the industry's dedication to consumer protection and a sign of the evolving landscape of e-commerce in India.